Clean and healthy environment and climate

Models and small sensors that measure and predict exposure to particulate matter, microplastics and noise as well as large-scale satellite observations to identify harmful substances in the atmosphere, such as methane, nitrogen and CO2. These are examples of where TNO contributes to a cleaner climate and healthier environment.

If we, as a sustainable society, want to achieve the objectives of the Paris climate agreements, CO2 emissions must be reduced by 95% at all levels. TNO has models, technical, social and economic expertise to help government and industry select the best policy solutions for a healthier climate. In addition, we can report on progress in a validated manner, as agreed in Paris.

If we, as a sustainable society, want to achieve the objectives of the Paris climate agreements, CO2 emissions must be reduced by 95% at all levels. TNO has models, technical, social and economic expertise to help government and industry select the best policy solutions for a healthier climate. In addition, we can report on progress in a validated manner, as agreed in Paris.

Research into highly worrying substances

A person's life can be extended by 2 years by reducing air pollution and noise emissions. To this end, we are conducting research into substances of very high concern (SVHC). For example, by identifying the impact that benzene has on health and devising ways to prevent exposure as well as developing technology to gain insight into the sources and composition of particulate matter.

Another important societal theme is microplastics. Small minuscule plastic particles that we find in many care products, for example, but about whose risks little is yet known. Furthermore, we are studying the effect of disruptive noise and when noise standards become unhealthy. And finally, we are developing sensor technology that provides insight into air quality, for example for hay fever sufferers.

Climate change

TNO's climate ambition is to develop models and systems to enable the right choice to be made when it comes to climate change and air pollution. For example, we are committed to reducing emissions of gases such as nitrogen, CO2 and methane. We do this by measuring the impact and identifying sources. In addition, we then support national and regional authorities in their policies to limit damage to people and the environment.

Our contribution is particularly unique because we combine the large-scale data from satellites such as Tropomi, which maps air quality and greenhouse gases worldwide, with sensor networks at a much lower resolution level. By interpreting all these different data and aligning the models, we can zoom in so far that the government or an individual citizen can even see the state of the air quality at street level.

Detection of methane emissions via satellite

17 December 2019

A 2018 explosion at a gas well in the US state of Ohio led to the emission of 50,000 tonnes of methane over the 20 days that followed. Scientists from SRON, EDF, VU and TNO were able to deduce this through...
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News

New technology monitors air quality in cities

05 July 2019

TNO, Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands and S&amp;T are taking a collaborative initiative to develop innovative technologies that cities around the world can use to monitor air quality. The project aims...
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News

Plastic Pact leads to more circular plastics

21 February 2019

Today, more than 100 parties in the Netherlands, including TNO, signed up to the Plastic Pact during the National Circular Economy Conference. The aim is to get reusable and exclusively recyclable plastic...
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